In an enthusiastic effort to wring every second of enjoyment from its Golden Anniversary year, Union City will end 2009 the same way it began - with a balloon drop and champagne at the stroke of midnight. This time, instead of welcoming the City's 50th Anniversary, the New Year's Eve Gala will bid farewell to 12 months of fabulous celebrations.

The evening will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Attendees can warm up for the evening's entertainment by participating in ballroom dance lessons offered by Steps, Styles & Spotlights.

Once you've worked up an appetite on the dance floor, dinner will begin at 8 p.m. A choice of Angus beef tri tip, chicken Parmesan or vegetarian dinner will be accompanied by wine and dessert.

But don't kick off those dancing shoes just yet, because from 9 p.m. until after midnight you'll have the opportunity to practice what you learned to the disco, pop, jazz and ballroom music of Synthesis Band.

The Acenas Family Band's popularity has soared in the Bay Area with the addition of Yollie Siracusa as lead vocalist. Siracusa was a recording star in the Philippines who opened acts for Donny and Marie Osmond, The Lettermen and Paul Williams.

We'll also take a trip down memory lane with a multi-media presentation showing the finest moments from the events of 2009. Throughout the evening we will honor all the volunteers who worked so tirelessly and the sponsors that contributed so generously to make it all possible.

Ballroom dance exhibitions will include husband and wife Salsa instructors Robert and Priya Orozco and instructor/owner Johnny Veloso dancing a rumba with student Gigi Bautista. Other surprises also will be part of the evening's entertainment as we officially say goodbye to Union City's Golden Anniversary Year.

Folks who never want it to end will appreciate a DVD highlighting our community in celebration with hundreds of photos including a look back at each anniversary event. A copy of the DVD will be included in a time capsule to be opened during Union City's 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2034.